In message <[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask] writes:
> Some years ago I read a book by Taylor which suggested painting hive
> bodies with creosote as a preservative. Anyone ever tried it? I found
> it hard to believe that the bees would tolerate the creosote fumes. I
> would be interested to learn of your experiences. Thank you. Jim
Creosote is an 'old fashioned' if economical and effective
treatment for hives. I doubt that many beakeepers now use it
because the bees _don't_ tolerate it well. If you do use it, only
treat the outside of the boxes and give it _plenty_ of time to dry
proprly (a few weeks IMHO). It's also _filthy_ stuff to handle --
gets everywhere.
Personally I use Western Red Cedar hives which are pretty
rot-proof anyway and I give them a good coat of a _bee_friendly_
presenvative. Be warned that there aren't many of these. They
also typically need a while to dry out (few days).
Another treatment popular in some areas is to 'varnish' the
outsides with one of the new-generation porous exterior
treatments.
I don't know if example product names help across continents, but
I personally use Cuprinol Clear preservative & Sadolin 'varnish'.
There are several good 'varnishes' but very few *safe*
preservatives.
Regards,
--
Gordon Scott [log in to unmask] Compuserve 100332,3310
Basingstoke Beekeeper [log in to unmask]
In the beginning there was darkness and the Lord said "Let there
be light" and behold there was ... let: command not found.